Here’s everything Microsoft Copilot can do on your smartphone

Microsoft has integrated a new feature that allows Windows 11 users to control their Android smartphones directly through the Copilot application. This seamless connection between devices offers convenient phone management without switching screens. The integration represents a significant advancement in cross-device functionality, streamlining how users interact with their digital ecosystem.

Integrating your Android device with Windows Copilot

The ability to control Android phones via Copilot has undergone several transformations since its initial release. First appearing as a web interface feature in mid-2024, the functionality temporarily disappeared before being reintroduced as a more robust integration within the Windows 11 Copilot application. This evolution demonstrates Microsoft’s commitment to enhancing cross-device communication and creating a more unified technology experience.

Setting up this connection requires several preliminary steps. First, ensure both devices use the same Microsoft account. Then, link your Android phone to your Windows PC through the Phone Link app (formerly known as Mobile Connected). This connection establishes the foundation for Copilot’s ability to interact with your smartphone.

To activate the feature:

1. Open the Copilot application on your Windows 11 PC
2. Navigate to your profile settings
3. Locate and enable the “Connect with phone” option
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the pairing process
5. Verify the connection by testing a simple command

Once configured, you can communicate with Copilot using natural language commands to perform various actions on your Android device. The system interprets your requests and executes them on your smartphone, eliminating the need to handle your phone physically for many common tasks.

Powerful commands to control your Android smartphone

The integration between Copilot and Android devices enables a wide range of functionality through simple voice or text commands. These capabilities transform how you manage communications and daily tasks across your devices. By leveraging natural language processing, Copilot can understand and execute complex instructions.

Message management represents one of the most valuable aspects of this integration. You can ask Copilot to check unread messages with prompts like “Show me unread messages from today” or “Has [contact name] texted me this morning?” The AI assistant will retrieve this information directly from your phone. Furthermore, you can send new messages without touching your smartphone by saying, “Send a message to [contact name] asking about dinner plans tonight.”

Time management functions are equally convenient. You can set timers with commands such as “Set a 12-minute timer for cooking pasta” or schedule alarms by requesting “Set an alarm for 8 AM next Tuesday.” These commands are processed immediately, and the actions are reflected on your Android device.

Location-based queries provide another dimension of utility. Ask Copilot to “Find the nearest open men’s clothing store” or “Locate the closest coffee shop,” it will search using your phone’s location data.

Enhanced features for Samsung users

Samsung smartphone owners receive additional benefits when using the Copilot integration. Devices running Android 14 or higher unlock exclusive capabilities not available to other Android phones. These expanded functions create a more comprehensive control system for Samsung users, highlighting the special partnership between Samsung and Microsoft.

Navigation features stand out among these Samsung-exclusive capabilities. Users can ask Copilot to initiate navigation routes in Google Maps with commands like “Start directions to downtown” or “Navigate to the nearest airport.” The system processes these requests and launches the navigation directly on the Samsung device, preparing your route before you even pick up your phone.

Samsung users also benefit from enhanced alarm and reminder management. While all compatible Android devices can set new alarms and timers, Samsung owners can additionally modify or cancel existing ones. For example, you might say, “Cancel my morning alarm” or “Reschedule my medication reminder for 2 PM.” This functionality requires that your alarms and reminders have descriptive names for Copilot to identify them properly.

These capabilities showcase how deeper integration between specific hardware and software ecosystems can deliver superior user experiences. Microsoft and Samsung’s collaboration continues to produce innovative cross-device solutions that streamline daily technology interactions.

Future developments and availability

While the Android control feature through Copilot represents a significant advancement, it remains under active development with ongoing improvements. Microsoft has indicated that the full release to general availability is scheduled for late February 2025, suggesting that further refinements and expanded capabilities are in the pipeline.

Current users may notice that results can sometimes be inconsistent as the system continues to be optimized. Microsoft is likely gathering user feedback to enhance the understanding of natural language and execution accuracy before the final release. Regular updates to both the Copilot application and the Phone Link app will deliver these improvements incrementally.

To ensure you have access to the latest features:

• Check the Microsoft Store regularly for Copilot updates
• Verify that the Phone Link app is current
• Ensure your Windows 11 installation has all recent updates
• Keep your Android device updated to the latest OS version

This integration represents just one facet of Microsoft’s broader strategy to create seamless experiences across devices and platforms. As artificial intelligence capabilities continue to evolve, we can anticipate even more sophisticated cross-device interactions becoming available to Windows and Android users in the near future.